We wasted several thousands of dollars with them until we realized that they weren't able to handle the project...After we fired them they turned around and offered me a job ;>) - I politely declined as I don't think the industry is setup to help us. 

Make sure your ARV is spot on. 

The main line is an excellent market for rentals but it can be very pricey as many of the spots are Class A RE. 

It’s one of the top spots for out-of-state buyers, which could help bring more interest your way

When I was working in the corporate industry, I began investing in real estate.

This is a bad spot. 

Currently, I'm focused on selling new construction duplexes in downtown Indianapolis, which offer great potential for long-term investment.While I'm still relatively new to the industry, I've found that consistency and reliability often trump the allure of high-risk, high-reward strategies.

With rising home values and relatively low entry prices compared to other metros, Indy continues to be an attractive spot for investors.

In 2022 following massive industry changes, on the heels of COVID, I decided to pursue opportunities that would give me the ability to travel a bit.

You're spot on about security deposits being a practical tool to mitigate risk, especially with applicants who have checkered rental histories.